Conductive Hearing Loss occurs if the Outer or the Middle Ear do not conduct Sound waves to the Inner Ear. The problem can be in the Outer Ear and/or in the Middle Ear.

What are the Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss?

One should be aware of the symptoms or signs of Conductive Hearing Loss.

• Earache or Pain in the Ear

The pain in one ear or both is a sign that all is not well with our ears. The pain could be due to infection, ear wax accumulation or an injury.

• Blocked Ears or Pressure

We get the feeling of ear blockage or pressure in the ears. This is somewhat like the pressure some people feel while landing or taking off in an Airplane.

• Loss of Hearing

We struggle to hear on the phone or miss out on the conversation while in a group. This indicates reduced Hearing ability.

• Bad Odour from the Ears

In case there is an infection or build-up of Pus, the Ear will give out a bad odour or smell.

• Unfamiliar Sound

We feel that our own speech sounds very different. This can happen in case of others Speech as well.

It is be noted that the above Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss could be in one Ear or Both.

What are the Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss?

The common causes of Conductive Hearing Loss as under:

1.  Ear wax Accumulation

Not cleaning our Ears regularly causes Earwax to collect in the Ear Canal. This causes a physical blockage. The Earwax does not allow Speech and sound signals to reach the Eardrum or the Tympanic Membrane.

2. Obstruction by a Foreign Body

Small items like beads, in the case of Children or cotton swabs stuck in the ear, can cause Conductive Hearing Loss.

3. Infection Due to Water

Otitis Externa. Is the medical term also commonly called Swimmers Ear. Constant dampness or wet ears cause infection. We should also dry our Ears after a shower.

4. Malformation of Outer Ear

This normally happens at birth. It is either malformation of the Pinna or the Ear Canal which is part of the External Ear.

5. Abnormal Bone Growth

 Abnormal growth of the bones along the Ear Canal reduce the size of the Ear Canal. Sound can still travel through the outer ear. But the chances of the Ear getting blocked with a small amount of ear wax are high.

6. Middle Ear Infection

Infection in the Middle Ear causes a build-up of fluids. Seek immediate medical attention before the infection becomes serious. This is very common in case of Children. Read the tips to detect Ear Infection in Children.

7. Perforation in the Eardrum

The Tympanic Membrane or Ear Drum vibrates as per the Sound waves received by the Ear. A perforated Ear drum will not vibrate. Hence the Sound waves will not pass on to the Inner Ear. The Inner Ear sends the sound waves to our Brain through the Auditory Nerve.

8.   Otosclerosis or Hardening of the Bone

Otosclerosis is the hardening of one of the 3 bones in the Middle Ear. These bones amplify and transfer the sound vibrations to the Inner Ear. Hardening of this bone stops the vibrations. This interrupts the process of transferring sound to the Inner Ear.

9. Accident or Injury

Speech signals do not reach the Inner Ear if there is a physical damage to the outer or Inner Ear.

Can Conductive Hearing Loss be Treated?

In a majority of the cases, Conductive Hearing Loss is reversible or can be corrected. People suspecting hearing loss should undergo a hearing test or Audiometry.

• Ear wax is nature’s process of restricting dirt from going into our Ears. Ear wax also keeps the Ear Canal lubricated. Some people produce more Ear wax than others. Ear wax should be regularly cleaned to avoid blockage. Use proper methods to clean Ears and avoid using Ear tips or cotton Earbuds.
• In case Children insert a foreign object in the ears, rush them to the Doctor immediately. The Hearing is normal after removal of the object.
• Keep your ears dry. Do not let water remain in your ears after a swim or a shower. Take special precautions to avoid fungal Infection.

Surgery can correct the malformation of the External Ear to some extent. Reconstruction surgery to correct abnormalities like collapsed Ear Canal and perforated Ear drum is possible. But the operation depends on the complexity and severity which may differ from case to case.